Weight gain, tiredness, sensitivity to cold – the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are varied. Although thyroid inflammation can be treated, some people experience symptoms. We explain which 4 mistakes make Hashimoto’s complaints worse.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by an autoimmune reaction. In those affected, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Since the thyroid gland is involved in our metabolism and is essential for many bodily functions, this can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms. These include exhaustion, weakness, concentration problems, constipation or depressive moods. The autoimmune disease requires medical treatment, but some people may still experience symptoms. In addition, lifestyle has a major influence on the clinical picture. Some behaviors can make symptoms worse.
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Hashimoto: 4 mistakes make complaints worse
1. Improper diet
Our diet is an important factor in terms of our health and physical well-being. What is on our daily menu plays a particularly important role for people with Hashimoto’s. Many sufferers eat the wrong diet and eat too many foods rich in fat and sugar. On the one hand, their consumption leads to faster weight gain and, on the other hand, unhealthy trans fats and sugars in the body fuel inflammation and can increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The same applies to white flour products. Many people with Hashimoto’s also suffer from gluten intolerance, which should be tested. In your diet, focus more on whole grain products, vegetables, low-sugar fruit, fish, low-fat dairy products and healthy vegetable oils. Nutrients are particularly helpful
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2. Too little exercise
Hashimoto’s usually leads to weight gain in those affected. In order to prevent or counteract this, exercise and sport play an important role in addition to diet. Many sufferers do not exercise because they think that they cannot lose weight anyway. However, this is exactly the wrong way, since such a weight gainis favored. Because despite the inflammation of the thyroid gland, it is possible to lose weight, albeit more slowly. Try to integrate daily exercise into your everyday life. If you don’t have time to work out every day, try walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Apart from that, you can more often use the bike instead of the car or take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Another advantage of the movement: It counteracts other Hashimoto symptoms such as listlessness and depressive moods.
3. Lack of sleep
To counteract Hashimoto’s symptoms, it is important to strengthen the immune system. You can do that with the help of a healthy, nutritious diet, but good quality sleep is also essential for our body’s defenses. Apart from that, a lack of sleep promotes weight gain and obesity – even a short-term lack of sleep causes our body to release more of the hunger hormone ghrelin. In addition, persistent sleep disorders also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. So make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, here are some helpful tips >>
4. Not attending check-up appointments
The causes of Hashimoto’s cannot be treated, but those affected are given medication. The symptoms can be alleviated by taking the artificial hormone levothyroxine, which usually has to be taken for life. Since fluctuations and relapses are part of the clinical picture, it is important that those affected keep regular check-ups so that the specialist can determine whether you are properly adjusted to the medication.
